Decisions

It's a place where things are put, until I can either get rid of them or find a place for them to go, and it's become a mess.

I was thinking that if I show you this horror, that maybe it'll motivate me to do something about it.

So, here we go...

The desk where I blog from and pay bills:

Not your typical "Where Bloggers Create" space, huh? ;)

You can see that I need to paint the walls towards the ceiling, but moving that desk will not be easy. I've been told it's either German or English and from the early 1800s, but all I know for sure is that it's a beast to move, because it's so heavy.

The reason for the weird paint is that I had shelves (not original to the house) removed, to fit it on that wall, since it's the only place in my house that it would work.

And I wasn't going to get rid of it.

No siree Bob!

I love that old desk, heavy or not :)

Oh and that white thing next to my chair?

The only air-conditioner on the main level, besides the one in Annie's room. It's an ugly necessity during the Summer, because as I've mentioned before...

I don't have central air.

Now you know why I want Fall to get here.

For all those that said they didn't want that... I'll be happy to send my 90 degree and above heatwave your way, but you have to turn off your central air first :p

Moving on to the other side of the room:

This is the bane of my existence.

See all those book and pictures?

I'll have to take all of that stuff down in order to paint the shelves.

A daunting task.

And I would know since I'm the one that unpacked the boxes and put it all up there.

Also, imagine the mess it'll create in the rest of my house.

Ugh.

So now that you know what the rest of the room looks like, here's my inspiration pictures.

I want the room to feel warm, cozy and somewhat dark, but not too dark, if that makes sense.

The problem is that you can see it from the dining room, which will probably have yellow walls eventually...

and also from the kitchen, which you can kind of see here...

So I don't want it look odd.

My guess is the green shelves would be best, with either a soft yellow or a lighter green on the walls than on the shelves or the drapes, which for some reason always look grey in pictures, but in fact they're sage green.

58 comments:

Glad to see that you have some hidden corners, too. I just cleared out my guest room and have all the stuff in the dining room. It is such mess that I can't focus on the next step :( - - I am sure once it cools off you will more willing to get started on your project.

Oh Rue,We all have these hidden spaces in our homes, even new ones. In fact I have been thinking about our house plans and how we took the "mudroom," and turned it into a built in desk and added shelves-that will be my hidden spot, but you know hidden spots lend themselves to such wonderful creativity, possibilities, colors and chance. I am enjoying your inspiration and oh of course, I adore your desk.xoJemma

Ha ha! You and I think alike. I may ask for advice, but in the end I'll do what I like even if it's not the popular choice.

The view of your window with your sewing machine silhouetted in front of it is so pretty! I don't envy you painting your shelves, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! Your desk is a gorgeous piece that I would make room for, too. I know how heavy our old upright piano is (we're having a heck of a time getting somebody to move it) and your desk is probably twice the weight. You're lucky to have a room dedicated to all the things you use it for. I sew in our bedroom!

I like all your inspiration photos and I'm drooling over the green velvet sofa!

Rue,Your desk is absolutely gorgeous with all those marvelous, intricate details! I think because the desk is dark and anchors the room, I would go with a soft cream for the walls with a sage green for the shelves. (It's always so much more fun to come up with suggestions for someone else! Ha!) Whatever you decide, I know that it will be absolutely charming!

P.S. I totally agree with you about wishing for Fall--we don't have central air either. :-)

I remember that gorgeous desk from your other house, love that very unique piece! I think my "creative juices" would run free sitting at it, no matter how the surroundings appeared! Can you just imagine all the hand-written letters and journaling that have been done on it's surface, over time? :) And that room really does not look bad at all! Love the idea of the green shelves! Can't wait to see what you decide, I know it will be fabulous! ~Rhonda

Rue, once you choose the paint colors and organize, it will be a room of serenity while you create and do your paperwork. Perhaps in the early Fall, cooler hopefully. I love the beautiful window with your colorful glass birds. I remembered a block of ice in front of a box fan when I was a kid to cool off in the 60s. Kathleen in Az

Hi Rue! I'm so glad to know you're not perfect! :) We all messy spots in our house. I have plenty. Your desk is most gorgeous though and these kinds of decisions can be kinda hard because that's a lot of work to do painting your shelves. I'm not too good giving paint color advice but you have such wonderful decor sense and I know whatever you choose will be just perfect.Be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

I love that window! Loved this glimpse into your office: I don't call that messy at all, Rue. It's beautiful. And very tidy to my eyes. The antique desk is handsome...think I remember him from your other house? I've got a chair with the same needlepoint!

First...I love the inspiration pics you have---that keeps us dreaming. But I think you underestimate your room. The antiques and books say so much about you. A neat, tidy or sterile room say nothing. I may be a bit of a neat-nick but my décor speaks for itself and me. I do have a lot of clutter though and wouldn't change it for anything--I simply like to know where it's all at. Maybe that could be your plan? If not-just be YOU!!!

Wow, now I don't feel so bad with my overloaded areas and walls that need painting. With your color scheme already going in your house, I think the green bookcases would be nice, although the black looks pretty too, just a different look.

Love your desk and I can well imagine how heavy that thing is. DH and I have moved lots of heavy pieces and they are no fun.

I, too, am so ready for cooler weather. No central air here either, only one window unit that does a good job of cooling this little place and ceiling fans help too. (Of course, the cottage is roughly a little under 700 sq. ft. so not much space to cool or heat.)

Down here in s.e. FL we won't really be enjoying cooler weather until October/November.

I love the second example of green you are showing, with the green shelves the white door that POPS, and the cream colored chair. The black shelves are moody and stunning as eel, but VERY dark, and I think you would be happiest with the green. You will make it all work, paint does wonders! Oh, and my little office gets messy too! Love that little A/ unit, what WOULD we do without technology, eh?

Good, you won't listen to "what we would do." I don't ever think anyone, should be given decorating suggestions. What we surround ourselves with, must resonate with _us_...

What a beautiful old desk!!!!!!! Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow....

I love when people show their not-quite-perfect spots in their homes. It makes them so much more human. -grin- And if I feel thus, I should picture the shelves in our den!!! The horror of them!!!! ,-) With so much other stuff, among the books. I should! I should!

But I will have to work up to doing it!!!!!!!!

We have wall A/C units in hearth room and den. Which take care of our A/C needs on horrid days. And one upstairs in our bedroom. I fully agree that I would not be able to exist, when we get our horrid heat/humidity times, without A/C. So I am not agreeing to give them up, in order to not want to hurry Autumn. -giggggles-

Well, it is heat time. Not the time to take on big decorating jobs, anyway. Hope you spend this time, zeroing in on what you really, really want to surround yourself with. Then when the weather cooperates, you can jump right in, and make your dream come true.

I agree. The green would be my choice for the shelves. You could maybe take the colors from your kitchen and use them in darker or lighter shades in the other rooms since you want to go with yellows and greens. That would keep things harmonious.

That desk is AMAZING! I would keep it till my dying day! It's truly the best blogging and bill-paying place there is!

As far as colors go, I think the green would be GORGEOUS, and a wonderful compliment to the other colors you've used in your home. I also think it will be a great mix with the dark tones of the desk....

Green! Green! Green! I think it will look amazing. Just get some sturdy boxes and load them up and start. You will be so happy when it's done. I just did a similar huge task with reorganizing my china closet (yes, I have a walk in closet full of china). I had way to much and did not want to deal with it, but I finally had no more excuses and did it. I realize that a gross job is gross until somewhere about half way into it, then you start seeing progress and can keep moving forward and gain momentum as you go. I was so happy when my task was finished and wondered why I waited so long and lived in misery before I got it done!

Well, I love green. I have always loved green. That being said, black is a good neutral, too, especially to tie it into other colors of other rooms. Your inspiration pics are all great. LOVE that old desk--what a treasure that piece is -one I would certainly make a focal point when you do the room. I also love how the door is surrounded by shelves. It's going to be perfect once its done. Oh...no central air...no wonder you long for fall. Have a great week- xo Diana

That desk is beyond gorgeous and looks like it weighs a ton! I love the green and look it will look great! Thanks for your honesty about how your room looks cause I believe we can all relate to that. I think our blogs shouldn't be about perfection it should be about the real life. My room looks the same as yours, on the other side!

I'm so happy that I found you. I have always loved your vision for making a house a home. I don't have central air either so I understand where you're coming from on that. I'm in the process of painting the house, room by room, and it takes it's toll on the body. I'm trying new colors and loving the adventure. By the way, I'm Cindy of just another day in paradise. I don't blog much anymore but I come back occasionally to see what's up with my friends. I think it shows as onlymehere when I comment though. Lovely space.

I'm ready for fall...sheesh...I hate summer! Okay, the colors in your inspiration pieces and what you would like to do are awesome! You could start by adding some molding or trim to the shelves to build a little bit of character to them, since they are plain...and you need something to balance the ornate-ness of the desk. You could also paint one shelf at a time. I know it would take longer, but if you don't want the mess all over the house, then one or two shelves at a time is the way to do it. Just some thoughts. Hugs!!

Rue, Thank you for sharing your blogging space with us. I love it! I also really like those inspiring ideas. I am constantly trying to fix my space, for it fills up with hidden gifts for each birthday and Christmas. It is also the place everyone puts something when we don't know where else to put it. Soon it is a huge mess and I start over. :)

I vote for green shelves! Your room isn't that bad (messy)...my basement is a lot worse! I know you will make this room beautiful. So sorry you don't have central AC, but good that you at least have a portable AC unit. I know I couldn't live without AC either, especially with my allergies!

That desk is amazing. Thank God you own it.....because I can think of some bloggers who would have had it painted 4 or 5 times already. ugh. I think the various greens are beautiful on those shelves in your inspirations....and think a lighter/ sage would be great because of the darkness of the amazing wood on the desk. But, regardless,,,, summer is never the time to start such a big project!!!! Fall is when we start to nest back inside. Now is time to gather inspiration with a cup of tea or a cold iced tea at our side. All things in due time!

"not that i'll listen..." LOLOL! i love that!i would take a leaf from english cottage decor wisdom... that desk and books and the beautiful window in that room just cry out for coziness to me... with a dark sage maybe. so when little lamps are lighted around it ... it is transformed into your own private jewel in an exquisite small box.come fall... when it's brisk out you'll feel like tackling it! a beautiful persian rug on the floor in deep reds and vibrant blue and green to pull it all together... then some beautiful blue and white china for bringing out the richness of the depth of the dark wood and books ... and for just creating a little spark for the eye to delight! that's what i would do!not that you'll listen. LOLOLOL! love you scarlet! xoxo♥

What an amazing piece of furniture! Imagine the stories it could tell!

No central air here in this old farmhouse either. Have you seen the ad on television where the couple fights against the fans to make their way around the house? I often feel like them. 4 room AC units and fans in every room and you can't hear yourself think from May through September.

I adore the greens! And that green sofa with the purples in the room and the dictionary stand, I'm in love. I have dictionaries in every room except the bathrooms. My son gave me a pretty dictionary stand but it sits ON a table and I have no table room. I want a dictionary stand someday.

I agree with Wendy above, whatever you do I can't wait to see it but Rue this look into your room was fascinating and not scary at all.

I am glad that you will not listen to me as btwn that Singer sewing machine and that incredible Show Stopper Desk – you know I will not be paying attention to your bookshelves either ;) Those are tough acts to follow so either the paint for the bookshelves is neutral and just fades away or tries to compete for attention by going with that eye catching bright green. That said there is one other thing the bookshelves could do to compete that I spot in one of your inspiration pictures - add a ladder. I have a LOT of books too and have always coveted having books to the ceiling with an old fashioned library ladder. With all the antiques in that room and your house it would be so perfect! Regardless it is nice to see Real books that seem to be loved and actually read - Gone With the Wind is likely on those shelves too, so make it a space you love suitable for books you love so much! I am sorry to say that with all the antique loveliness you have in that room I don’t care what color you paint the walls as I likely will not notice them! :)

Oh my gosh, it looks amazing compared to my..........house/room/corner/desk. Well, I love the desk, I love the books, I love the pictures, I love the glass birds, I love the view from the other rooms. I had to give up my beautiful little antique letter desk when I lost my house. Left me with great memories though. I love the green. Thank you for sharing real life.

Hello!!!What I like is......you have so many sweet little side doors on this house. CHARMING!!!! I love that grand desk also. I am wondering, when your house was listed for sale, what did they call this room? You have quite a few unique areas in this home. So glad you bought it and are not wreaking it with a full re-do. If I owned it, I would keep it the same also. I can never understand why people hunt for an old home then gut it!!??!!Addie

Actually, I don't remember what they called this room, but I'm guessing that because the original owner was a lawyer that it was her office and at one point there was double doors in the entrance. The last owners were using it as a makeshift guest room with an ugly futon.

I can't understand why people gut these old homes either. It breaks my heart, Addie.

Oh Rue, I can really sympathize with you about the lack of air conditioning and hot weather! That is how I lived in Brooklyn! I had an ac in my bedroom and that was it. When I reached the special age of hot flashes I bought a portable ac for my kitchen but it really did not help very much. The humidity in NY is bad in summer and I suffered. I have to say I am really enjoying central air her ein Colorado. It does get int the 90's here too!

Not that you'll listen, but....green shelves. some of the ones you showed stole my heart. creamy white walls, and black. Have you noticed lately that those colors are so wonderful together? I'm making my dining room into a study-type sitting room and that's the way I'm going. Dark green, white-ish, and black. Going to your pin boards to steal some of those pictures! I'm your newest follower there.

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Favorite quotes

"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."

~William Morris

"Part of the adventure in life is not always knowing what's going to happen next, and the next part may be grander than your original plan. The key to enjoying the journey is being open to the unknown."

~Kristine Carlson

Whimsy is a private joke between you and your house. A sweet, sort of private joke that reminds you not to take life--or decorating--too seriously. Whimsy is a reminder to smile as often as possible. Rooms need a bit of comic relief--just a little object that you can find during a tense moment, something that says, "Look, it could be worse: you could be a pig with wings, okay? Sheesh!"

"You can't make a garden in a hurry, particularly one belonging to an old house. House and garden must look as if they had grown up together, and the only way to do this is to live in the house, get the feel of it, and then by degrees the idea of the garden will grow.”

~We Made A Garden by Margery Fish

“I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dishwashing. Whenever I get one of those questionaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare.”